Spine Kinematic Alterations in Nordic Walking Under Two Different Speeds of 3 and 5 km/h—A Pilot Study

Objectives. The present study aimed to quantify changes in spinal kinematics during Nordic walking compared to regular walking (RW) for 60 s on a training path among physically fit young males (n = 20, aged 19–22 years). Methods. Two walking speeds were analyzed: 3 km/h and 5 km/h. The experimental setup was designed to assess spinal angular rotations using five kinematic parameters: upper spine, lower spine, thoracic region, lumbar region, and pelvis. Results. The data were acquired from 9 compact inertial sensors and the following motion analysis is carried out using 3D MioMotion IMU sensor’s analysis system. The differences in the obtained cyclic biomechanical parameters were detected using functional data analysis (FDA) statistical tests. Conclusions. The key finding of the study is that Nordic walking significantly alters the angular kinematic pattern of spinal movement as it revealed significant differences in all five measured parameters when compared to normal walking. Notably, the most pronounced changes were observed in the upper spine and pelvis motion. Additionally, Nordic walking increased stance phase duration and velocity: (i) significantly increased the duration of the stance phase in all three planes of motion; (ii) significantly increased the velocity during the stance phase across all three planes. These reported findings highlight the biomechanical, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative potential of Nordic walking.